Gary Dean Hooper passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019. He was a Chicago, Illinois area resident since 1988 and formerly resided in Riverside, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Gary was born on February 3, 1950 to Glenn M. and F. Louise (Sutter) Hooper in Riverside, California. He married Maria F. Restrepo on July 3, 1991 in Hinsdale, Illinois. He was an entrepreneur and a pioneer in telecommunications, building systems all over the world to include the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Guinea and the Indian Kashmir region, where he served as a CEO/President, Project Manager and Consultant.
He was a member of the Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago and was a past Commodore. Gary also served on the board of the Chicago Yachting Association for a number of years. He enjoyed scuba diving, skydiving, sailing, and flying general aviation. He was also an avid motorcyclist with a lifelong passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
He is survived by his wife, Maria F. Hooper; his daughters: Grace Wright (Glenn), Stephanie Hooper (Jason) and Monica O’Loughlin (Brendan); his siblings: Mary Graser, and George “Bob” Hooper; six grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Hooper; and his brother, James E. Hooper.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Inurnment will follow at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven with his parents, Glenn and Louise Hooper.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s name may be made to any of a number of charities supported on Columbia Yacht Club’s website to include Junior Sailing Program and Sea Scouts, which he helped found.
Leslie Gayle Shacklette
12 Dec 2019So many fond memories. Much love to all the family from Cole & Leslie
Neal Johnson
13 Dec 2019Very shocked and very sad to hear about Gary’s passing. I have worked with so many people over my telecom career but none had the lasting impact on me as Gary did. His knowledge was unsurpassed but more than that I was proud to call him my friend.
My condolences to The Hooper familia, God be with you all
I have no doubt Gary and Jason are sailing in the after life together again.
Jack Korolsky
14 Dec 2019My friend and work buddy from Hutton Contracting in Texas to John Burns Construction in Orland Park our lives were intertwined at many junctures. Blessings and hugs to Maria as you mourn Gary. His memory will keep him alive for many of us. Rest well my friend.
RAYMOND SCOTT HENNING
19 Dec 2019Gary will always be with us Maria